Barry S. Strauss

Barry Strauss, a classicist and military historian, shares insights on the Roman Caesars and their leadership lessons. He discusses how Augustus consolidated power and contrasts him with the notorious Nero, whose urban renewal efforts challenge the 'bad emperor' narrative. Strauss highlights Vespasian's innovative rise and Marcus Aurelius’s struggles, revealing how philosophical ideals often clash with the harsh realities of governance. The conversation uncovers timeless strategies that shaped the Roman Empire and continue to resonate in modern leadership.

Stephen Aron, Professor Emeritus at UCLA and CEO of the Autry Museum, explores the bridging of academic and public history, focusing on the narratives of frontiers and borderlands. Barry Strauss, a distinguished scholar at Cornell, discusses the complexities of interpreting ancient history and the interplay of war, leadership, and historiography. They emphasize the importance of intellectual humility and navigating the challenges of presenting historical narratives that engage wider audiences, all while advocating for questioning rather than lecturing in museum settings.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Barry Strauss, a historian and author specializing in ancient Rome, delves into the notorious assassination of Julius Caesar. He reveals how the events of the Ides of March were more chaotic than legends suggest. Strauss explores Caesar's dismissal of ominous warnings and the motivations behind the senators' conspiracy. The conversation goes on to dissect the aftermath, including the rise of Octavian and the lasting legacy of Caesar as a complex figure balancing populism and tyranny.